Cai Yuxin’s death after anaesthetic procedure puts spotlight on Taiwan’s cosmetic industry and ‘Godfather of Liposuction’ Wu Shaohu
Taipei | June 22, 2025 — A Taiwanese model has died after receiving a controversial sleep treatment from Wu Shaohu, a prominent cosmetic surgeon widely known as the “Godfather of Liposuction.” The incident has triggered public outrage and prompted a criminal investigation into potential medical negligence.
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Cai Yuxin, a well-known car show model in her 30s with a substantial social media following, had sought help for chronic insomnia at the Fairy Clinic in Taipei, operated by Wu. At the suggestion of a friend, she underwent a “milk injection” — a term colloquially used in East Asia for propofol, a powerful sedative commonly used in anaesthesia.
Procedure Gone Wrong Under Wu Shaohu’s Supervision
According to local reports, Wu administered the initial dose of propofol but left the room soon after, delegating supervision to an untrained male assistant. A miscalculation in the setup may have caused an overdose of the anaesthetic in a short time, leading to Cai suffering cardiac and respiratory arrest.
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The assistant, in panic, called Wu who allegedly guided CPR efforts via video call while rushing back to the clinic. But by the time Wu returned, Cai had stopped breathing and her heart had ceased pumping. She was rushed to a hospital and remained in a coma for 18 days before her family made the devastating decision to withdraw life support on June 12.
Legal Action and Regulatory Questions
Authorities in Taiwan have launched an official investigation against Wu Shaohu, considering charges of criminal negligence and violation of the Medical Care Act.
The country’s Ministry of Health and Welfare designates propofol as a Schedule IV controlled substance, requiring its administration only by qualified professionals under close medical monitoring. Lai Xianyong, a Taiwanese anaesthesiologist, criticized such clinics, stating:
“This happens every year. Medical personnel performing procedures without airway management training are gambling with lives.”
Grief and Demands for Accountability
Cai’s death has sparked widespread grief and outrage online, with thousands paying tribute to the model, who was often compared to Taiwanese actress Lin Chi-ling for her elegance and popularity.
Users across social media have demanded strict legal action against Wu and the clinic, calling for stronger oversight of Taiwan’s booming cosmetic surgery sector, often criticized for blurred lines between wellness therapy and medical risk.
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Godfather of Liposuction, Model Death Taiwan, Wu Shaohu Investigation, Propofol Anaesthesia Risks, Cosmetic Surgery Negligence, Cai Yuxin Death, Taiwan Medical Laws, Liposuction Controversy